The 2008 Candidate School began with the approval of 14 new missionaries. Four previous missionaries were reinstated and 12 were approved in December, resulting in 30 new missionaries for Candidate School 2008. Two of these families will open up new doors of opportunity for BIMI in Mongolia and Uruguay. The actual process began nearly a year ago when we started receiving inquiries and applications. The applicants who met the preliminary qualifications received an invitation to attend the screening, Board meeting and Candidate School.
The typical screening committee is composed of several BIMI directors and at least one local church pastor. They conduct personal interviews with the candidates to discern their call to missions and their doctrinal and philosophical alignment with BIMI. All 14 new candidates were unanimously approved.
During the meeting with the Board the candidates were asked why they chose to apply to BIMI. Most stated that it was their sending pastor’s recommendation. Others said they were influenced by the lives and ministries of BIMI missionaries. Nearly all made reference to the evangelistic–church planting philosophy, high biblical standards and policies of BIMI. Of course, God’s direction in the matter was foremost.
Once approved, the missionaries began their first week of Candidate School. They are taught a variety of subjects in preparation for their deputation ministry. The 30 first year missionaries were joined by 26 individuals who were approved last June. The 75 hours of Candidate School are vital to preparing the missionaries for success on the field.
Those of us here at BIMI are grateful to the Lord for the sending churches, the schools and the individuals that He has used to shape the lives of these new missionaries. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve HIM, the sending churches and the missionaries.
